If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ.You must register to post. After registering, your first post will be reviewed before it appears. We've found this is necessary to limit spam. Registration is free and quick. To view forum posts, select the topic that you want to visit from the list on the forum home page. (Click the "forum" tab on any page to go to the home page.) Under each topic, you can add a comment to an existing discussion, or click "Post New Thread" to start a new discussion.

e-Bikes - Let's talk

I see a number of pros and cons to e-bikes, and I'd like to get a conversation going on that topic. Any other e-Bike users out there? What do you like about it? Anyone with concerns about e-Bikes? Let's hear from you too! Please be nice, though!

I have a thought on e-bikes. Namely, that they, just like gas-powered mopeds or any other motorized vehicle, do not belong on the trails.
It's already dangerous enough with people who occasionally outstrip their skill-level and commonsense on downhills. No need to exacerbate things.

My two cents is that if e-bikers only use the motor for hill climbing, not to buzz past pedestrians and regular bikes on the flats, we should give them a chance on the trails. Of course, the trails in my area aren't too crowded, so my two cents might not be valid elsewhere.

My two cents is that if e-bikers only use the motor for hill climbing, not to buzz past pedestrians and regular bikes on the flats, we should give them a chance on the trails. Of course, the trails in my area aren't too crowded, so my two cents might not be valid elsewhere.

In Virginia it is illegal to ride any motorized vehicle on a trail or sidewalk.

I have a thought on e-bikes. Namely, that they, just like gas-powered mopeds or any other motorized vehicle, do not belong on the trails.
It's already dangerous enough with people who occasionally outstrip their skill-level and commonsense on downhills. No need to exacerbate things.

They're already not allowed on the W&OD. "No motorized vehicles" applies to them also.

Personal opinion is that if you're too farking lazy to pedal that you need an eBike then Metro is the thing for you.

At risk of venturing an opinion on a topic about which I know very little (so what else is new on the Internet!):

I don't see too many eBikes in DC -- just the occasional messenger or delivery person. I've seen more of them in Manhattan -- again, usually delivery people.

Have not seen this, but I have heard of people putting a small motor on a cargo bike -- especially helpful for when a mom is carrying a couple of kids plus gear and groceries and lives in a hilly place. I wouldn't have a problem with this application because a family on a bike, even with a small motor, is preferable to a family in an SUV in my estimation.

My brother in law built his own eBike -- he lives close to work, but home is at the bottom of a big hill and work is at the top. Plus he is an engineer/gadget guy who likes to make stuff.

As others have said, they are not allowed on the local trails. I think that's a good call considering how congested the trails are already.